Less money equates to more problems for the main characters of Mo, a new Netflix series created by comedian Mohammed Amer and Emmy-nominated actor Ramy Youssef. Set in Houston, Texas, the 8-episode comedy opens with Mo Najjar (Amer) driving a slab (a slow, loud, and bangin’ car) through the streets of H-Town to the soundtrack of the Paul Wall and Big Pokey classic, “Sittin’ Sidwayz.” He’s on the way to his job, but unbeknownst to Mo, his life is about to go through a series of inconvenient changes.
A Palestinian refugee still living at home with his mother and unbridled brother, Mo can’t seem to win for losing as he seeks U.S. citizenship. Mo is coerced into selling knock off brands and stolen goods from the trunk of his car after he loses his job when his boss becomes paranoid about ICE raiding the business.
Somehow, this leads to him getting entangled with a drug kingpin and later, crossing wires with a Mexican smuggling ring. These matters bring the comedy into the series all while spotlighting the realities of the people involved — at one point, in the middle of mayhem, Mo comes face to face with Mexican families waiting to be smuggled from Mexico to the U.S.
Business is shady for Mo, but his domestic life isn’t any better. His more traditional mother (Farah Bsieso) is unpleased with his choices and the burden of leading a fatherless household, which pushes her anxious son into developing a “lean” (codeine) addiction. Meanwhile, the brother (Omar Elba) and his Mexican-American girlfriend (Teresa Ruiz) have their own set of issues that adds to Mo’s problems.
Mo is one of the most compelling comedy series to hit Netflix in 2022. Representing Houston in all of its diversity, Mo doesn’t only include Palestinians, it also encompasses Asians, Nigerians, Latinos, African Americans, and European Americans throughout the series. Within this macroscopic perspective lies an exploration of race, class, religion, values, and customs, and the intersections that unite different communities.
The comedy does a swell job of incorporating Houston culture making sure to highlight the city’s staple landmarks, such as Hermann Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and several small businesses, including Chick’nCone and The Breakfast Klub. It wouldn’t be quite Houston without surprise cameos from Bun B and Paul Wall, and a starring role for Tobe Nwigwe, who plays Mo’s best friend, Nick.
A cliffhanger ending to episode 8 gives premise to a hopeful second season, and it would be well worth the continuance of a series that tackles the harsh realities of refugee life from a comedic outlook.
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